Today we’d like to introduce you to David Ramos.
Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to building what others say can’t be done—whether that’s scaling a global technology platform or creating a local space that helps people move, feel, and live better.
For most of my career, I served as a technology executive leading large-scale transformations across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. I loved the challenge of turning complexity into clarity—aligning people, process, and purpose to drive measurable impact. But over time, I began to sense a shift. I wanted to build something that created transformation not just in systems, but in people.
That calling led me to launch StretchLab FirstCoast, part of the nationally recognized StretchLab franchise known for its science-backed approach to assisted stretching and functional wellness. What drew me in wasn’t just the business model—it was the mission. StretchLab combines a proven playbook and strong national footprint with a powerful sense of community among its owners and team members. It’s a network of people passionate about helping others move freely, recover better, and live with more energy and confidence.
For me, StretchLab represents the perfect fusion of my worlds—structure meets service, innovation meets intention. I was able to leverage my experience in strategy, leadership, and operational excellence while building something deeply personal and people-centered right here in our local community.
Our FirstCoast studios have become more than wellness spaces—they’re places where lives are restored, habits are reshaped, and health feels accessible again. Every day, I see clients—from athletes to everyday professionals—experience breakthroughs in how they move and how they feel. That’s what drives me.
At its core, this journey has never been just about business—it’s about stewardship. Whether I’m leading a technology transformation or a wellness franchise, my purpose is the same: to build with excellence, serve with heart, and create impact that lasts. The marketplace is my mission. The Kingdom is my purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think any meaningful journey is ever truly smooth—and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. Growth happens in the tension between vision and reality.
Launching StretchLab FirstCoast was both exciting and humbling. Even with the backing of a strong national brand and proven playbook, we were still building something from the ground up—introducing a new wellness concept to our local community while learning the business side of franchising in real time.
To make things even more interesting, we didn’t just start one studio from scratch—we also acquired three underperforming locations that needed to be completely turned around. That meant rebuilding teams, restoring trust, re-engaging members, and reestablishing the kind of culture that makes StretchLab special. It wasn’t just about fixing operations—it was about reigniting belief.
There were days that tested everything we had—long hours, hard lessons, and moments where profitability felt like a distant goal. As a family-operated business, those challenges didn’t stay at the office—they showed up at the dinner table, too. Balancing family life and entrepreneurship has been both our biggest challenge and our greatest gift. It’s forced us to grow closer, communicate better, and remember why we started in the first place.
Through it all, our faith has been the anchor. It’s what sustained us when the numbers didn’t yet reflect the effort, when burnout loomed, and when we had to remind ourselves that stewardship comes before success. Each hurdle became a test of not just our business model, but our conviction—to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to trust the process.
No, the road hasn’t been smooth. But every bump has shaped who we are—as leaders, as a family, and as a local business committed to helping people move and live better. And looking back, those hard seasons are what gave us the strength and clarity to build something that truly lasts.
As you know, we’re big fans of StretchLab First Coast. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At StretchLab FirstCoast, we help people move better, feel better, and live better—one assisted stretch at a time.
We’re part of the national StretchLab franchise family, a leader in the science of flexibility training and recovery. Our studios offer one-on-one customized stretching sessions led by highly trained Flexologists who tailor every experience to the individual—whether you’re an athlete trying to improve performance, a professional managing stress and tightness, or someone simply wanting to move with less pain and more freedom.
But what really sets us apart isn’t just the service—it’s the spirit behind it.
We’re a family-owned and operated business, built on the belief that wellness should be personal, accessible, and rooted in genuine care. Each of our studios is designed to be a place of restoration—not just for the body, but for the mind and spirit. We’ve built a culture where our team knows every member by name, celebrates their progress, and invests in their journey.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the heart we’ve built into this business. We didn’t just open doors—we created a space where people feel seen, supported, and strengthened. What makes our brand unique is that it stands at the intersection of performance and purpose. We bring operational excellence from my background in technology and transformation, but we balance it with empathy, community, and faith.
When we acquired several underperforming studios, we didn’t just focus on fixing systems—we focused on reigniting culture. We rebuilt from the inside out, empowering our teams, refocusing on the member experience, and returning to the “why” that drives our mission: to serve people well.
What I want readers to know is that StretchLab isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about possibility. We specialize in helping people reclaim movement, confidence, and quality of life. Whether you’re training for a marathon or trying to play with your kids without pain, we meet you where you are and help you stretch into your best self.
Our faith continues to guide how we lead, how we serve, and how we grow. For us, success is measured not just in membership numbers or expansion, but in impact—how many lives we help transform, one stretch and one relationship at a time.
The marketplace is our mission. The Kingdom is our purpose. And at StretchLab FirstCoast, that’s exactly how we show up every day.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that who you surround yourself with determines how far you can go.
Early in my career, I used to think mentorship meant finding someone who had all the answers. Over time, I realized that true mentorship is about finding people who ask you better questions—those who help you see blind spots, sharpen your character, and remind you of what really matters when things get hard.
My best mentors didn’t just teach me how to build companies—they modeled how to build a life of integrity, consistency, and purpose. Some came from the business world, others from church or community, and a few were people I met in seasons of struggle who ended up changing my perspective entirely.
Networking, for me, has never been about collecting contacts—it’s about building connection. I try to approach every conversation with curiosity instead of agenda. When you genuinely care about people, opportunities tend to follow naturally.
I also believe that mentorship is reciprocal. I’ve learned as much from the people I’ve led and served as I have from those who’ve led me. Iron sharpens iron.
Practically speaking, I encourage anyone—especially entrepreneurs—to plug into communities that align with both your mission and your values. For me, faith-based business groups, leadership circles, and the StretchLab owner community have all been invaluable. Being part of a network that challenges you to grow not just in profit, but in purpose, keeps you grounded.
At the end of the day, mentorship isn’t about finding the “right” person—it’s about being teachable. When you stay humble, hungry, and anchored in purpose, the right voices always show up when you need them most.
Pricing:
- We have monthly membership options
- We offer discounted volume packages of assisted stretch sessions
- We offer walking as you need stretches
- We offer corporate packages, mobility workshops and group sessions at your location
- We do private team/small group events at our studios
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stretchlabfirstcoast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stretchlabstaugustinebeach/; https://www.instagram.com/stretchlabpontevedrabeach/; https://www.instagram.com/stretchlabmandarin/; https://www.instagram.com/stretchlabatlanticbeach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stretchlabmandarin; https://www.facebook.com/stretchlabstaugustinebeach; https://www.facebook.com/stretchlabpontevedrabeach/; https://www.facebook.com/stretchlabatlanticbeach
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stretchlab-firstcoast
